FM 17-35 ( Armored Cavalry Platoon, Troop and Squadron ) 1960

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munication facilities. Due to extended frontages, maximum use
must be made of the platoon sergeant and his vehicle and radio
to assist in controlling and coordinating the action of the platoon.
Once contact is made with an advancing enemy force, the platoon
should remain in contact.
c. When acting as a screening force, the scout platoon secures
its assigned area by establishing observation posts and conducting
patrols. At night, listening posts replace the observation posts.
Since the screen will normally cover an extended area, the scout
section must select observation posts that give the widest field
of vision. Dead space between observation posts should be covered
by mounted patrols. If the screen is required to remain mobile
and move with the main body, elements of the screen must
move by bounds so'as to keep abreast of the main body. When the
enemy is observed, the observation post notifies the platoon leader,
who in turn notifies the main body commander. The scout squad
occupying the observation post remains in visual contact with the
enemy and withdraws by bounds.
d. In a screening mission the medium range ground radar set
will normally be operated under platoon control.
e. The techniques of establishing observation posts and listening
posts are discussed in paragraphs 24 and 25.
Section VIII. SCOUT PLATOON IN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS
42. General
a. The scout platoon will attempt to accomplish assigned missions
without resorting to offensive combat; however, in some
situations, the platoon may be required to attack light enemy
forces and therefore must be prepared for this type of action.
b. The scout platoon employs a base of fire and maneuvering
force in the attack.
c. FM 17-1 discusses the fundamentals of attack, control measures,
and basic considerations of offensive action.
43. Planning and Preparation for Attack
a. The scout platoon leader in planning for an attack follows
the same troop leading procedures as an armored cavalry platoon
leader (ch. 7). The scout platoon leader must recognize the limitations
of his platoon in accomplishing combat missions.
b. The discussion in FM 17-1 covering troop leading procedures
is applicable to the scout platoon leader.
34 AGO 4088B